Charades

Randy is going to be out of town tomorrow night and since we don't like to miss FHE, we had it tonight.  Caden gave a great lesson on Tithing.  Keilie had the activity so I suggested that we play charades instead of Clue.  That way the younger kids could feel like they had something to do other than roll the dice or move the pieces.  We started with some ideas from Guesstures, and ended up having them come up with ideas on their own that they wanted to act out.  It was SO much fun watching their little minds work.  They would have to tell me what they were going to do so they didn't stand up there for 10 minutes trying to make our guesses what they thought they were acting.  Tyson stole the show more times than not.  One such time he went to the front of the room, turned his back to us and jutted out his behind.  We guessed a few times before he turned around and said in the cutest little voice, "No.  It's pants!"  The kids just burst out laughing.  The only acting he did was wiggle his little toosh at us!  He entertained us with karate which looked like a standing seizure, slicing (which he calls swicing) licking, and eating.  We loved it.  Randy would try and guess what Brennon was acting each time.  'Cause as soon as you said it correct, his eyes would go all "Bugsy" and he'd scream and point, "YES!  You got it!!!"  It was so cute.  We had such a good time!  It was weird to look at the clock and see that an hour of acting had taken place.  Watch out...we've got some natural born actors in this house!  And not just the kids.  I do a mean "Dance."  Even if Randy begged me never to do it again:)

Feetsies

While eating breakfast this morning, Tyson kept kicking the island.  After repeated times of asking him to stop, I got pretty stern with him.  In an exasperated voice he said, "Mom, my feet is doing it by itself!"

Multnomah Falls 2013

Photo progression at Multnomah Falls

June 27, 2013

 While we were cooling off our feet, a train came barreling above us.  Brennon was fit to be tied with how loud it was.  He was ready to bolt!

It was such a beautiful day!!  No rain, can you believe it?!

Toes

Sometimes I can be a really cool mom.  I find ways to make my kids have as much fun as they can.  I make them fun foods, take them to places they love, and do things with them that are traditions I love and hope they love too.  However, I'm a mean mom, too.  Here's an example...

 On the night before Danielle's wedding, we got all of the girls together for a Pedicure night.  Things didn't work out as we thought, so we all gathered around and painted our own toes.  I didn't want Keilie and Shelby to think they could get a true pedicure from Natalie, so I painted their nails beforehand.  So, when they noticed that we were all doing our nails, Shelby asked if she could do mine.  I thanked her for her generous offer, but said no.  I had family pictures the next day and wanted everything to be perfect.  I hate that about myself sometimes.  That I can be so uptight about something that is really no big deal in the scheme of this life.  But, I can't change it, either.  So, she went around to all of the other girls at the part and asked.  Megan, bless her heart, said yes!

And Shelby painted.

And I felt like a bad mom for saying no to something so dumb.

And painted my own toes with a heavy heart, vowing to do better next time.

Eyes On Me!!!

 

~That frustrated moment when you see that the only one marring this picture is your TWELVE YEAR OLD SON!  "Caden, how many photo shoots have we done in your life?  LOOK AT THE CAMERA AT ALL TIMES!!!"

Johnson's Bliss

Saturday, June 15, 2013

Danielle & Taylor Johnson's Wedding

Eden, Utah

 Taylor's mom has a friend that owns a Bed & Breakfast in Eden, Utah.  They called in a favor to use the BEAUTIFUL yard for the wedding.  It was magical!  They brought their own decorations for the entry, but the rest was just the gorgeous landscape.  It was such a beautiful day for a beautiful couple!

 We took a few minutes before people started to arrive to get a picture of my kids decked out in their wedding attire.  Danielle's colors were purple (no surprise there!) and Gray.  What a perfect time to get a matching family picture!  I do hope that the one the photographer took turns out a little better.  Maybe one where we are all looking at the camera with model smiles and poses!

 Taylor's mom also had a friend that makes cakes.  Danielle said she would have preferred less flowers, but I think it turned out lovely!

 I love watching my dad!  This was a candid before Taylor got to see his bride.  Wonder what advice my dad was giving here?!

 Me with my beautiful Mom!  I just love her!!!

 Me with my baby sister, Brooke.  And sneezy Kenyan of course:)

 Taylor with "The Dads!"

 Waiting for his Bride!

 First glimpse of Danielle!

 Daddy, Daughter, and sweet Payton.  You'll notice later that Danielle doesn't have her signature purple high heels.  She was so nervous about falling that she nixed them.  She still looks stellar!!!

 Giving his daughter away!

 Turning to look at those that love them.  It was only Parents, Grandparents, Siblings, and Neices and Nephews in attendance, yet there was an abundance of love!  We sure missed Ash, Russ, McKaylee, Daphnee, and Austen.  They were unable to make it.

 You may kiss the Bride!

 I wish you could see the look my dad gave better!  I love his I-love-my-daughter-tear-face!

 To the Taylor & Danielle Johnson family!!

 Sweet little Payton in the dress I made for her.  I'm so glad it turned out better than the first two I made for my girls.  I was super honored Danielle asked me to make it!  I even got a compliment on it from someone asking where they could find one! 

 The Wayne Burrell Family

 Sisters!

Miss ya Ash and Keilie Fran!!

 Danielle with her brother.  These two became super close redoing that condo.  She even called crying one night saying how much she missed hanging out with Randy.  He truly is an amazing man that loves without bounds.  I love that they are so close.

 Love my sweet Payton!

 Such a cute new family!

 The next day, June 16th, happened to be Taylor's birthday and his very first Father's Day.  What a weekend!!!

 My Brennon would not leave Grandpa Kimber's side!  He sure loves that man.  As do I!!!

 Apparently she wasn't going to go easy on him:)

 Gorgeous even with cake all over!

 Me with my sweetie!

 Grandpa-Great with his boy!

The weather was perfect, the Bride was radiant, and the family became friends.  Danielle couldn't have asked for a better day!  I'm so happy to have another brother!  Congratulations Danielle and Taylor!!